United Nations

The project owner is Companhia Energética Rio das Antas – CERAN, which is composed by CPFL Geração de Energia S.A., Companhia Estadual de Energia Elétrica – CEEE and Desenvix S.A. as the company shareholders.

The project contributes to sustainable development since it meets the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, as defined by the Brundtland Commission (1987). The implementation of hydroelectric power plants ensures renewable energy generation, reduces the national electric system demand, avoids negative social and environmental impact caused by the construction of large hydropower plants with large reservoirs and fossil fuel thermos-power plants, and drives regional economies, increasing quality of life in local communities. The project is reducing negative environmental impacts and has strengthened the regional economy, resulting in better quality of life. In other words, environmental sustainability combined with social and economic justice, undeniably contribute to the host country’s sustainable development.

The project activity reduces emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG) by avoiding electricity generation from fossil fuel sources (and CO2 emissions), which would be generated (and emitted) in the absence of the project. Then, the baseline scenario is identified as the continuation of the current (previous) situation of electricity supplied by large hydropower and thermal power stations.

Monte Claro hydropower plant is a run of river plant that satisfies all the requirements established by the World Commission on Dams (WCD). The WCD strategic priorities – gaining public acceptance; comprehensive options assessment; addressing existing dams, sustaining rivers and livelihoods; recognizing entitlements and sharing benefits; ensuring compliance; sharing rivers for peace, development and security – were considered. The WCD report of Monte Claro hydropower plant was audited by Bureau Veritas Certification in June 2008.

For more information on the social benefits of this project, you can find here.

For more details on this project, please click here.